English Language Learning

Arizona has a law for students who are not proficient in English, also known as English Language Learners (ELL).

An accelerated English language program, called Structured English Immersion (SEI), has been designed to help students learn English.

SEI is a program designed to help students learn English, in a time period not normally intended to exceed one year.

The expectation is that a focused, directed instructional approach, based on time-on-task research and explicit English acquisition instruction, will produce dramatically improved results for our English language learners.

The Goal For English Language Learners

The goal is to help ELL students learn English quickly and move into mainstream classes with the depth of English knowledge necessary for rigorous class work.

What is A Structured English Immersion (SEI) Classroom?

The Structured English Immersion (SEI) classroom is designed to teach English to students who are not proficient in the English language. The class structure consists of:

English as the language of instruction.

Students receiving four (4) hours of English Language Development daily in Reading, Writing, Oral English/Conversation and Vocabulary, and Grammar.

Materials in English.

Students grouped by language proficiency level.

Students taught by highly qualified teachers.

Students taught English at an accelerated rate.

Benefits of Structured English Immersion (SEI) for English Language Learners (ELLs)

Students will learn English at an accelerated pace.

Students can concentrate on learning English.

Students will learn English required for academic class work.

Students will be in classrooms with teachers who are trained to teach English Language Development (ELD).

Oversight of student academic progress two years after exiting the English Language Learning Program (ELLP)

Consistent focus on instruction during transition throughout the state of Arizona.

English Language Learning Program (ELLP)

Tempe School District has been involved in the implementation of the English language learner's SEI Program. Please feel free to contact our English Language Learning Department for specific information regarding your student.

Additional Support and Services

Translating (written)

Interpreting (verbal)

Multicultural Education

Mentoring

Do you speak a foreign language?

The Tempe School District is continuously recruiting college students, professionals, and other members of the community to serve as qualified interpreters for our students and families during parent meetings, conferences, and other school functions. Interpreters are called as needed and receive a compensation of $30 for the first hour and $15 for each subsequent hour. The District is currently in need of interpreters who are fluent in English and any other languages and dialects.

If your current job or school schedule has flexibility that would allow you to serve as an interpreter for our schools from time to time, please contact our English Language Learning Department for more information. Your service as an interpreter would be of great value.